A huge step toward helping those in need has been taken with the recent opening of 14 new residences in Kamloops, specifically designed for women and children escaping violence. This project was a collaboration between the Province, through BC Housing, and the Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society (KDEFS).
The Housing Minister, Ravi Kahlon, highlighted the need for safe accommodations, stating, “No matter where people live in B.C., they should have a safe place to go when they need it.” This idea is in line with the design and location of the new residences, which are spread across two three-story buildings offering long-term, affordable rental housing. These houses provide services to a wide range of communities, including transgender women, Two-Spirit, non-binary people, and their children, fulfilling different requests from those fleeing violence.
These townhouse-style homes are designed with a focus on privacy and independence. Each apartment has direct outdoor access and in-unit facilities like washers and dryers. A common area that is shared by all residents encourages a sense of belonging and support for each other.
Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, talked about the significant impact of these new homes. “These 14 new homes will make a tremendous impact in the lives of women and children leaving abusive situations, providing them with stability as they rebuild their lives and recover.”
Since KDEFS, the organization running the new residences has its offices on-site, it is easier to access support and resources. The director of operations at KDEFS, Holly-Rose Vesper, expressed her appreciation for this important project. “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with BC Housing to expand services to include these new units of housing to women and their children fleeing, or at risk of, intimate-partner violence,” she said. Offering subsidized housing is a critical first step toward long-term stable living while maintaining the safety and security of the women and children that KDEFS serves.
This development is a part of the more extensive B.C. government’s $19 billion housing program. Since 2017, over 76,000 new houses, including more than 1,660 in Kamloops alone have been built as a result of this project, The government’s “Home for People” housing plan, which embodies the larger goal, calls for a substantial $1.3 billion investment over the next ten years. This funding intends to double the number of spaces available through the Women’s Transition Housing Fund to 3,000, demonstrating the commitment to addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations.
The exact location of the new residences has not been revealed to increase security and privacy; this is a standard procedure for projects targeted at individuals escaping violence. This approach balances the need for public awareness and the essential privacy and safety of the residents.
To construct and manage 1.500 transitional, second-stage, and long-term housing units for women and children fleeing abuse, the Women’s Transition Housing Fund was established in 2018 with a $734 million investment over ten years. Significant work towards this target has already been made, with about 1.000 spaces either finished or underway.
This project has received a lot of positive feedback from the local community. They are proud and supportive of this initiative. Gerald Connor shared his thoughts: “It’s amazing to see our community stepping up to provide such essential support. Now those people can have a safer place to stay and start again.”. Another resident, Sheila Miller, agreed with this sentiment. “It’s an investment in human lives, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
The construction of these homes represents a dedication to tackling the complex and deeply rooted problems of domestic violence and the difficulties encountered when escaping. By offering a haven, these residences provide a foundation for building lives, including restoring independence, emotional healing, and reintegrating into the community.
